This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
